Where I am, it’s snowing right now. And for my kids, the word “snow” is synonymous with “fun.” I think if they had to choose between a day at a theme park or playing in the snow, they would probably choose the snow.

In a few hours, enough snow will have accumulated on the ground for them to spend the afternoon running and playing in the white stuff.

My work allows me the flexibility to spend time with my children when I want to — such as an afternoon in the snow. I am very grateful for this flexibility. It is one of the rewards of self-employment.

But I still have to make that choice to give my time to my family. I could just as easily spend my afternoon getting “caught up” on work, emails, and other pressing tasks.

My kids would still run out and have a good time without me.

But that’s just it. It would be WITHOUT DAD!

Years from now, when they are grown, I want my children to be able to look back on their childhood memories and remember the times when dad WAS there. I want to model that kind of fatherhood to them so they can model it to their children and pass it down for generations to come.

An absent dad is one of the most damaging things that can happen to a child. It is also one of the most effective tactics used today to break down the family and develop apathy and disrespect of children toward their fathers.

I pray you will have many opportunities this year to choose time with your children over your work, hobbies, and other distractions. Your work will always be there, but your children won’t.

Involving your children in your life and investing your time in their lives is something we family dads MUST do!

Blessings to you and your family,
Joey Watkins
Founder, FamilyDads.com

Choosing To Cheat is a book by Andy Stanley I highly recommend to dads who struggle with giving their family enough time or who aren’t in a position to do so because of their job responsibilities or workload.